Say nǐ hǎo to haute cuisine

If you thought Chinatown London was wall-to-wall Cantonese eateries and dim sum joints, think again. There’s an upscale revolution going on and an army of refined restaurants serving exquisitely executed, elegantly-plated dishes have arrived in the area. Here are the finest restaurants to sample fine dining in Chinatown.

Evelyn’s Table

A seat at the pint-sized Evelyn’s Table is one of the hottest tickets in town. From the team behind The Palomar, located in the basement of the freshly-refurbished 18^th century Blue Posts pub, the smart restaurant accommodates only 11 at its sleek marble counter, overlooking the kitchen. Evelyn’s Table is all about simple, yet polished, Modern European dishes with more than a nod to Italy – think Cured Monkfish, with Sicilian tomatoes, avocado and coriander oil, and Cannon of Lamb, served with caponata, courgette, and sheep’s yoghurt. Did we mention Evelyn’s Table’s A-list guests? Actress Kate Hudson has paid this tiny-yet-terrific restaurant a visit.

Evelyn’s Table, The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert Street, Chinatown, London, W1D 6DJ.

Hovarda

Irresistibly chic cocktails and the freshest of seafood in suitably swish surroundings…what’s not to love about Hovarda? This stylish Greek-Turkish fusion restaurant transports the bounty of the Aegean to Chinatown, all delivered with a fancy, flavourful flourish. Raki-filled cabinets line the walls, while white-jacketed waiters zip about. Almost every dish is a riot of colour, from lively mezze with artichokes, taramasalata, and roasted peppers to Ali Nazik – gorgeously marinated lamb rump with dukkah, smoked aubergine, and parsley. After dinner, pull up a stool at the bar and savour an Aegean Flip cocktail – a devilish marriage of Mezcal, Mastika, sherry wine, Aegean spices and almond milk.

Hovarda, 10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6DW.

The Palomar

With an armful of glittering ‘Best Restaurant’ awards from the glossiest of publications, The Palomar’s reputation is second to none. Contemporary Israeli cuisine is the order of the day and you’ll welcome all the flavours, textures and colours of Jerusalem. Choose from Confit Duck Siske with celeriac, carrot, and apricots, or their perfectly-prepared Persian Pappardelle with artichoke, Persian lemon and mangetout. It’s The Palomar’s lively atmosphere that adds to the buzz. For a side order of theatre, be seated up at the smart zinc bar that overlooks the chefs creating culinary magic in the kitchen.

The Palomar, 34 Rupert Street, London, W1D 6DN.